Critically Endangered Hawksbill Turtles, Scalloped Hammerheads, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks and numerous other marine life that rely on Southern Palawan waters are in grave danger.

Despite the vital biological richness of this region, there are few formally protected marine areas. Coastal waters and shoreline habitat are plagued by overfishing, the illegal wildlife trade and destructive fishing practices such as using dynamite to harvest a greater volume of fish.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, Rare, are working to support the creation of 3,273,085 acres of marine protected areas in Southern Palawan to end unsustainable fishing and poaching and protect threatened species.

Header photo:  A school of Scalloped Hammerheads, by Tomas Kotouc

Save This Biodiverse Haven in the Coral Triangle

The Philippine Islands are located within the Coral Triangle, which is considered the most important place in the world for coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Its coastal and marine ecosystems include 379 species of coral, 13 species of seagrass meadow and 31 species of mangrove in 109,962 acres of mangrove forests, the highest remaining mangrove cover in the Philippines.

Ensure Healthy Fisheries for Millions of Filipinos

Fishing is one of the two main sources of livelihood for municipalities in Southern Palawan, the other being farming. The fisheries of Palawan are crucial to the Philippines—providing 60% of the fish consumed in the National Capital Region, also known as Metropolitan Manila. The new marine protected area of over 3.2 million acres will be regulated by managed access (no commercial trawling, no international fishing, restrictions on permitted gear). This project will protect 52,289 acres of mangroves and 275,554 acres of coral reefs, both critical habitat areas. At least 20% of these areas will be established as “no take” zones where fishing and all other marine activities are banned.

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